By Peter Lindblad
“Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones is the perfect summer soundtrack for Wisconsin so far. Or, maybe “Stormy Weather” would be more appropriate.
Torrential rains have led to extensive flooding. Destructive tornados have swept across the state. It’s been a wild ride the last few months, thanks to Mother Nature’s wrath. Mom needs to chill out a little.
After all this mayhem, everyone could use a good laugh, so seek air-conditioned cover in your favorite comedy club this week. You won’t even mind the two-drink minimum. It’s just a shot away.
Milwaukee Improv – Brookfield (https://improv.com/milwaukee/)
Chico Bean (June 28-29) – Drive on down to the insanely popular “85 South Show” to get a load of the talented Mr. Bean’s joke-telling genius, spotlighted on the sketch-comedy phenomenon “Wild N’ Out,” where he’d improvise jingles and grab lyrics to old songs seemingly out of thin air. As a writer and actor who isn’t afraid to speak his mind on different issues, his unique, freestyling comedic style is breath of fresh air. https://www.instagram.com/chicobean/?hl=en
Skyline Comedy Club – Appleton (https://www.skylinecomedy.com/)
Josh Firestine (June 28-29) – Let’s salute this Army veteran, who served for eight years, including three stints with Operation Enduring Freedom. Fatherhood, family, and his military service are fair game in the relatable Firestine’s playful frivolity. Originally from San Diego but now living in Tacoma, Firestine is the pride of the state of Washington’s comedy scene, performing at festivals, casinos, theaters, corporate events, and clubs – anywhere that’ll have him. https://www.facebook.com/p/Josh-Firestine-Comedy-100095086459625/
The Laughing Tap – Milwaukee (https://laughingtap.com/)
Ali Clayton (June 28) – Queer Country is Clayton’s debut album, coming out this summer, and her show at Milwaukee’s Laughing Tap is a celebration of the release. Speaking of coming out, as the title her LP would seem to indicate, the undeniably charming Clayton is a Southern-fried lesbian with a trailer-park heart, gleefully riffing on opening up about being gay in a quirky, Christian family that’s somewhat clueless https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8c1_y6PqoQ. Actor, podcaster, writer … Clayton does it all with a big smile. Check out her funny podcast “Ya’ll Gay?” Clayton co-hosts with Ever Mainard, who also happens to be Southern and queer. Vulture listed it among its top five podcasts of 2022. https://aliclaytoncomedy.com/